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Explore Puerto Plata ProvinceDiving in Puerto Plata, nestled on the vibrant northern coast of the Do
Explore Puerto Plata Province
Diving in Puerto Plata, nestled on the vibrant northern coast of the Dominican Republic, offers a thrilling underwater adventure for divers seeking both beauty and challenge. The region boasts a diverse array of dive sites, from colorful coral gardens and dramatic walls to intriguing shipwrecks that tell tales of the past. Puerto Plata's unique location on the Atlantic Ocean provides more energetic conditions compared to the Caribbean Sea, making it an ideal spot for experienced divers. The region is known for its strong currents, presenting perfect opportunities for advanced dive courses like deep, drift, and wreck diving.
Marine life flourishes in the waters surrounding Puerto Plata, with an abundance of species such as grouper, red snapper, and the majestic humpback whales. Sosua Bay, a nearby diving hotspot, offers magnificent walls with tunnels and prolific big fish action, adding excitement to every dive. The dry season from December to May ensures sunnier weather, ideal for diving, while the period from December to March offers the enchanting experience of hearing and potentially spotting humpback whales. Whether you're exploring the eerie Zingara Wreck or the famed Airport Wall, diving in Puerto Plata provides unforgettable encounters with both marine life and the dynamic underwater landscapes of the Dominican Republic.
Places to explore
Dive Activity
Diving in Puerto Plata Province
Puerto Plata Province in the Dominican Republic is home to several exceptional dive sites that attract enthusiasts from around the globe. One of the most notable is the wreck of the Zingara, an old cargo vessel transformed into a vibrant artificial reef. This site offers divers the thrill of exploring a sunken ship teeming with marine life, including colorful corals and tropical fish.
For those who prefer shore diving, Sosúa Bay is a popular choice, offering accessible sites with rich underwater landscapes. Here, divers can enjoy the beauty of shallow coral gardens and the chance to observe unique marine behaviors such as nurse sharks resting on the ocean floor. Additionally, the region provides a balance between shore and liveaboard diving, catering to various preferences. Night dives are a particular highlight, revealing the nocturnal activities of the local marine life and offering an unforgettable experience.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Puerto Plata Province
Puerto Plata Province, located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, is renowned for its diverse marine life. The vibrant coral reefs host an array of common reef fish such as parrotfish, angelfish, and damselfish, which are frequently spotted by divers year-round. These reefs provide a colorful backdrop teeming with life, making them a popular destination for underwater enthusiasts.
Seasonal highlights include sightings of various shark species such as nurse sharks, often seen patrolling the reefs. During certain times of the year, especially in warmer months, divers may also encounter eagle rays gliding gracefully through the waters. Sea turtles, including hawksbill and green turtles, are also seen occasionally, adding to the allure of diving in this region. The likelihood of encountering these species can vary depending on the specific dive site and season, with some areas offering more frequent sightings.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
51 Sightings
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7
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
29 Sightings
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2
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5
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3
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4
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5
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
16 Sightings
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2
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2
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3
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3
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2
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3
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
14 Sightings
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4
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1
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4
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Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins
Hawksbill Turtle
8 Sightings
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
7 Sightings
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4
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1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 25
iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray
4 Sightings
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1
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
48 Sightings
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4
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4
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10
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6
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
48 Sightings
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6
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5
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3
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6
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9
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5
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6
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish
43 Sightings
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3
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5
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10
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3
The best Months to dive in Puerto Plata Province
Puerto Plata Province offers year-round diving opportunities, with its warm Caribbean waters inviting divers at any time. Water temperatures generally range from 25°C–28°C/77°F–82°F in the winter to 82°F (28°C) in the summer, ensuring comfortable dives throughout the year. Visibility typically extends from 15 meters–30 meters/50 feet–100 feet, although it can occasionally be affected by weather conditions.
While diving is possible all year, the period from June to November is the hurricane season, which might bring stronger winds and currents, potentially impacting diving conditions. The most favorable diving conditions are usually found from December to May, when the weather is dry and stable. Divers should always check local weather forecasts and consult with dive operators for the latest conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
